Flexible ion generator device

ABSTRACT

A flexible ion generator device that includes a dielectric layer having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a top side, and a bottom side, at least one trace positioned on the dielectric layer and having a plurality of emitters engaged to the at least one trace. A plurality of lights disposed on the dielectric layer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/785,995, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/434,678, filed Jun. 7, 2019, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,695,455, and entitled “FLEXIBLE ION GENERATOR DEVICE”, whichis a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/816,027, filed Nov. 17, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,322,205, andentitled “FLEXIBLE ION GENERATION DEVICE”, which is a continuation ofU.S. Pat. No. 9,849,208 issued Dec. 26, 2017 and entitled “FLEXIBLE IONGENERATION DEVICE”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/281,318, filed on Jan. 21, 2016, and entitled“FLEXIBLE ION ELECTRODE,” the contents of which are incorporated in fullby reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of air treatment,and more particularly to the treatment of air using ionization that isproduced using a flexible ion generation device for dispersing the ionsinto the surrounding air and containing UV lights to further sanitizethe surrounding air and adjacent surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air and other fluids are commonly treated and delivered for a variety ofapplications. For example, in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning(HVAC) applications, air may be heated, cooled, humidified,dehumidified, filtered or otherwise treated for delivery intoresidential, commercial or other spaces.

Needs exist for improved systems and methods of treating and deliveringpurified air for these and other applications, including sanitizingsurrounding air and adjacent surfaces. It is to the provision ofimproved systems and methods meeting these needs that the presentinvention is primarily directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible iongenerator device includes one dielectric layer, at least one tracehaving a first end and a second end. The at least one trace is engagedto the dielectric layer, and at least one emitter engaged to the tracefor emitting ions. At least one UV light is disposed on the dielectriclayer.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the flexibleion generator device includes a conductive wire disposed on thedielectric layer and that at least one UV light is engaged to theconductive wire.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theflexible ion generator device includes a conductive wire disposed on thedielectric layer and a plurality of UV lights engaged to the conductivewire.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theflexible ion generator device includes a conductive wire disposed on thedielectric layer and substantially parallel with the trace.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theflexible ion generator device includes at least one trace positioned inclose proximity to the first side of the dielectric layer and generallyis parallel with the first side of the dielectric layer. Atpredetermined distances along the length of the at least one trace, theat least one trace extends downwardly towards the second side of thedielectric layer to a first side of the contact point and then from asecond side of the contact point, the at least one trace extends towardsthe top side of the dielectric layer and extends generally parallel withthe top side of the dielectric layer.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theflexible ion generator device includes a coupler having a base thatextends to an outer edge and a first pair of opposed sidewalls and asecond pair of opposed sidewalls extend upwardly from the outer edge toan upper edge, forming a cavity therein. A top portion is disposed onthe upper edge, and a slot is formed in one of the sidewalls extendingfrom the external surface to the internal surface for receiving thefirst end of the dielectric layer.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theflexible ion generator device includes an attachment device disposed onthe bottom side of the dielectric layer.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theflexible ion generator device includes a dielectric layer having a firstend, a second end, a first side, a second side, a top side, and a bottomside. At least one trace positioned on the dielectric layer and has aplurality of emitters engaged to the at least one trace, wherein thetrace extends along the top side of the dielectric layer along asubstantially parallel plane with respect to either the first side orthe second side and in predetermined locations periodically along thelength of the dielectric layer, the at least one trace extendsdownwardly from the parallel plane for a distance and then upwardlytowards the parallel plane.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theflexible ion generator device wherein the dielectric layer may be cutanywhere along its length without affecting the operating of the device.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theflexible ion generator device wherein at least one emitter extendsupwardly from the dielectric layer.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theflexible ion generator device wherein the emitters face toward eitherthe first side or the second side in an alternating arrangement.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theflexible ion generator device includes a power supply device engaged tothe flexible ion generator device.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theflexible ion generator device includes a second trace engaged to the topportion of the second dielectric layer and a third dielectric layerhaving a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion ofthe third dielectric layer is engaged to the second trace and the topportion of the second dielectric layer.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theflexible ion generator device includes a dielectric layer having a firstend, a second end, a first side, a second side, a top side, and a bottomside. A trace positioned on the dielectric layer and having a pluralityof emitters engaged to the trace, wherein the trace extends along thetop side of the dielectric layer and along a substantially parallelplane with respect to either the first side or the second side and inpredetermined locations periodically along the length of the dielectriclayer, the trace extends downwardly from the parallel plane for adistance and then upwardly towards the parallel plane.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theflexible ion generator device includes a plurality of contact pointsalong the trace for receiving the plurality of emitters.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theflexible ion generator devices includes a coupler having a base thatextends to an outer edge and a first pair of opposed sidewalls and asecond pair of opposed sidewalls extend upwardly from the outer edge toan upper edge, forming a cavity therein, a top portion is disposed onthe upper edge, a slot is formed in one of the sidewalls extending fromthe external surface to the internal surface for receiving the first endof the dielectric layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated and described herein with referenceto the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote likemethod steps and/or system components, respectively, and in which:

FIG. 1a is a top view of one embodiment of the flexible ion generationdevice;

FIG. 1b is a top view of another embodiment of the flexible iongenerator device;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the flexible iongenerator device;

FIG. 3 is a top view of another embodiment of the flexible ion generatordevice;

FIG. 4 is a top view of another embodiment of the flexible ion generatordevice;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the flexibleion generator device;

FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the flexibleion generator device;

FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the flexibleion generator device;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the flexibleion generator device;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible iongenerator device with an enlarged portion;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible iongenerator device;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the flexibleion generator device;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible iongenerator device;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible iongenerator device;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible iongenerator device; and

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible iongenerator device;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention taken in connection withthe accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure.It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to thespecific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/orshown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments by way of example only and is notintended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patentsand other publications identified in this specification are incorporatedby reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a flexible ion generatordevice is described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 1a, 1b , and 2 andis shown generally at reference numeral 10. The flexible ion generatordevice 10 has at least a first dielectric layer 12 and, optionally, asecond dielectric layer 14. The first dielectric layer 12 contains a topportion, a bottom portion, a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and aright side, wherein the top side and the bottom side are opposed to eachother and the left side and the right side are opposed to each other.The second dielectric layer 14 contains a top portion, a bottom portion,a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side, wherein thetop side and the bottom side are opposed to each other and the left sideand the right side are opposed to each other.

The flexible ion generator device 10 includes a first dielectric layer12 having a trace 16 disposed thereon. As illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the trace 16 is disposed on the top portion of the first dielectriclayer 12. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the flexible iongenerator device 10 includes a first dielectric layer 12 and a seconddielectric layer 14 having a trace 16 disposed therebetween (the trace16 will be considered a first trace when more than one trace is utilizedwith two or more dielectric layers). In this embodiment, the trace 16 isadjacent to the top portion of the first dielectric layer 12 and thebottom side of the second dielectric layer 14, and may be engaged to thetop portion of the first dielectric layer 12 or engaged to the bottomside of the second dielectric layer 14.

The trace 16 has a first end and a second end. The flexible iongenerator device 10 may have one or more traces 16, such as coppertraces, positioned on the top portion of the first dielectric layer 12or between the first dielectric layer 12 and the second dielectric layer14, wherein the trace 16 is adjacent to the top portion of the firstdielectric layer 12 and the bottom side of the second dielectric layer14 and may be engaged to the top portion of the first dielectric layer12 or engaged to the bottom side of the second dielectric layer 14.Alternatively, the trace 16 may be composed of other conductingmaterials such as brass, stainless steel, titanium, gold, silver,tungsten, carbon, mixtures thereof, and the like. In the embodimentconsisting of a first dielectric layer 12 and a second dielectric layer14, the bottom portion of the second dielectric layer 14 may be formedover the trace 16 and coupled to the first dielectric layer 12. It willbe appreciated that while the trace 16 as illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1bis positioned on the top portion of the first dielectric layer 12, thetrace 16 may also be positioned on the bottom portion of the seconddielectric layer 14, wherein the first dielectric layer 12 is formedover the trace 16 and coupled to the second dielectric layer 14.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b , the trace 16 extends longitudinallyalong the length of the flexible ion generator device 10. In otherwords, the trace 16 extends from the left side to the right side of thefirst dielectric layer 12 and the optional second dielectric layer 14.The trace 16 contains a first end and a second end, whereby the firstend is disposed adjacent the right side of the first dielectric layer 12and second dielectric layer 14 and the second end is disposed adjacentthe left side of the first dielectric layer 12 and the second dielectriclayer 14. The first end and the second end of the trace 16 may extendbeyond the right side and left side of the first dielectric layer 12 andthe second dielectric layer 14. A conductive pad or connector 18 may bedisposed on the first end and/or the second end of the trace 16. Asillustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b , the connector 18 is disposed on thesecond end of the trace 16. The connector 18 is engaged to a powersupply for supplying power to the flexible ion electrode 10, and morespecifically the trace 16. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 willlook the same as the embodiment in FIGS. 1a and 1b , except the seconddielectric layer 14 is engaged to the first dielectric layer 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b , and 2, at least one light 50 may be disposedon the first dielectric layer 12, and preferably two or more lights 50are disposed on the first dielectric layer 12, and most preferably, aplurality of lights 50 are disposed on the first dielectric layer 12. Asillustrated, the lights 50 are disposed on the top portion of the firstdielectric layer 12 but may also be disposed on the bottom portion ofthe first dielectric layer 12. A conductive wire 52 is disposed alongthe first dielectric layer 12 and each light 50 contacts the conductivewire 52. As illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b , the conductive wire 52 isdisposed on the top portion of the first dielectric layer 12 and may beparallel to the trace 16. Alternatively, the conductive wire 52 may bepositioned on the bottom portion of the first dielectric layer 12 orwithin the first dielectric layer 12. The conductive wire 52 extendsalong the length of the first dielectric layer 12 and each light 50 isengaged to the conductive wire 52. The conductive wire 52 provides powerto the lights 50. A connector 54 may be engaged to an end of theconductive wire 52 for engagement to a power supply for providing powerto the conductive wire 52 and ultimately to the lights 50.Alternatively, the conductive wire 52 may be engaged to a connector 54(FIG. 1a ) or the trace 16 (FIG. 1b ), and either the connector 54 ortrace 16 provide the power that is ultimately transferred to the lights50, enabling the lights 50 to illuminate. The conductive wire 52 mayextend from the first end of the first dielectric layer 12 to the secondend of the first dielectric layer 12. The conductive wire 52 is composedof metal that can conduct electricity, such as copper or aluminum.

An emitter 20 may be engaged or etched into the trace 16. As illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 3, the emitter 20 extends to at least the first sideand/or second side of the flexible ion electrode 10. The emitter 20extends to the top side and/or the bottom side of the first dielectriclayer 12 (FIGS. 1a and 1b ) and the second dielectric layer 14 (FIG. 3).The emitter 20 extends from the trace 16 to either the top side orbottom side of the first dielectric layer 12 and the second dielectriclayer 14. All emitters 20 of the trace can extend to the same side ofthe dielectric layer (12, 14), may alternate sides of the dielectriclayer (12, 14), or may extend to different sides of the dielectric layer(12, 14) at different intervals. The first end of the emitter 20 may beetched into the trace 16 and the second end of the emitter 20 extends toa point 22. As illustrated, the second end of the emitter 20 has agradually reducing width that terminates at a sharp point 22, allowingions to flow therefrom.

The point 22 of the emitter 20 is not connected, coupled, or engaged tothe first dielectric layer 12, or the optional second dielectric layer14 and extends outwards from these dielectric layers (12, 14). In otherwords, the emitter 20 and/or point 22 may extend beyond the top side orbottom side of the first dielectric layer 12 and/or the optional seconddielectric layer 14. The point 22 may be coated or plated with acorrosion resistant layer such as gold or other coating material.

The point 22 is disposed on the second end of the emitter 20 and allowsions to flow therefrom. Each trace 16 may contain at least one emitter20, preferably at least two emitters 20, and more preferably a pluralityof emitters 20. It is important to note that the first dielectric layer12 and the optional second dielectric layer 14 does not cover the point22, thus allowing ions to flow from the point 22 and into thesurrounding area. The dielectric layers (12, 14) adjacent the point maybe cut-away, pulled back, or otherwise removed, allowing ions to freelyflow from the end of the point 22.

In another alternative embodiment, only one dielectric layer (12, 14)may be cut-way, pulled back, or otherwise removed from the point 22 ofthe emitter. For example and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the trace 16 andemitter 20 are disposed on the top portion of the first dielectric layer12, and the second dielectric layer 14 is formed over the trace 16, asshown in FIG. 2, and the emitter 20 is disposed on the first dielectriclayer 12. The point 22 of the emitter 20 does not extend outward fromthe first dielectric layer 12 and second dielectric layer 14. Instead,the portion of the second dielectric layer that would be cover or beover top the point 22 is cut-away, pulled back, or otherwise removed,forming an opening 24 and allowing ions to emit from the point and intothe surrounding area.

In another alternative embodiment, the second dielectric layer 14 may bepre-cut with a portion removed from the top side and/or bottom side inthe area where the second dielectric layer 14 will be adjacent orovertop the point 22 forming an opening 24. Therefore, when the seconddielectric layer 14 is formed over the trace 16 and emitter 20, theopening 24 is adjacent the point 22, wherein the second dielectric layer14 does not cover the point 22. In another alternative embodiment, thefirst dielectric layer 12 and second dielectric layer 14 both are precutwith the portion of the respective layer (12, 14) that may be adjacentor overtop the point 22 are removed forming openings 24. Therefore, whenthe trace 16 and emitter 20 are engaged to the top portion of the firstdielectric layer 12, the point 22 is positioned within the opening 24,such that the first dielectric layer 12 will not cover the point 22 andthe point 22 is within the opening 24. As the second dielectric layer 14is formed over the trace 16 and emitter 20, the opening 24 is placedadjacent the point 22, so that the second dielectric layer 14 does notcover the point 22.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the lights 50 andconductive wire 52 are disposed on the top portion of the seconddielectric layer 14. The lights 50 and conductive wire 52 may be locatedon any portion of the second dielectric layer 14, but as illustrated,the conductive wire 52 and the lights 50 are positioned in the spacebetween the first trace 16 and the second trace 28. The lights 50 do notneed to be obstructed by the dielectric layers (12, 14) or the traces(16, 28). Alternatively, the lights 50 and conductive wire 52 in thisembodiment may be placed on the bottom portion of the first dielectriclayer 12. Alternatively, the conductive wire 52 may be positionedbetween the dielectric layers (12, 14) or within a dielectric layer (12,14) with the lights 50 disposed on the top portion of the seconddielectric layer 14, the bottom portion of the first dielectric layer 12or at least visible.

An insulating jacket 27 may be positioned over at least a portion of theflexible ion generator device 10. In the cross section shown in FIG. 5,the insulating jacket 27 may encompass the first dielectric layer 12 andthe second dielectric layer 14 (including trace 16, conductive wire 52and a portion of the emitter 20 contained therein). The insulatingjacket 27 may surround and protect the dielectric layers (12, 14),including the trace 16, optionally the emitter 20, and the conductivewire 52. It should be noted, the insulating jacket 27 does not cover thepoint 22 or obstruct the lights 50.

In another alternative embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 4, 6 a, and 6 b,the flexible ion generator device 10 may include a second trace 28 and athird dielectric layer 30 (in this embodiment the trace 16 becomes thefirst trace). The third dielectric layer 30 contains a top portion, abottom portion, a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a rightside, wherein the top side and the bottom side are opposed to each otherand the left side and the right side are opposed to each other. Theconductive wire 52 may be disposed on the top portion of the thirddielectric layer 30, the bottom portion of the first dielectric layer12, or between the first dielectric layer 12 and the third dielectriclayer 30 or within one of the dielectric layers (12, 14, 30).

In this embodiment, the second dielectric layer 14 and third dielectriclayer 30 contain the second trace 28 disposed therebetween (and thefirst trace 16 is disposed between the first dielectric layer 12 and thesecond dielectric layer 14). The second trace 28 may be engaged on thetop portion of the second dielectric layer and bottom portion of thethird dielectric layer 30. The second trace 28 has a first end and asecond end. The second trace 28 may be positioned on the top portion ofthe second dielectric layer 14. The bottom portion of the thirddielectric layer 30 may be formed over the second trace 28 and coupledto the second dielectric layer 14. It will be appreciated that while thesecond trace 28 may be positioned on the top portion of the seconddielectric layer 14, the second trace 28 may also be positioned on thebottom side of the third dielectric layer 30, and the second dielectriclayer 14 is formed over the second trace 28 and coupled to the thirddielectric layer 30. Furthermore, the lights 50 are engaged to the topportion of the third dielectric layer 30 or the bottom portion of thefirst dielectric layer 12. Preferably, the lights 50 are not obstructedso that the lights are not obstructed.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second trace 28 extends longitudinallyalong the length of the flexible ion generator device 10. In otherwords, the second trace 28 extends from the left side to the right sideof the second dielectric layer 14 and the third dielectric layer 30. Thesecond trace 28 contains a first end and a second end, whereby the firstend is disposed adjacent the right side of the second dielectric layer14 and third dielectric layer 30 and the second end is disposed adjacentthe left side of the second dielectric layer 14 and third dielectriclayer 30. The first end and the second end of the second trace 28 mayextend beyond the right side and left side of the second dielectriclayer 14 and third dielectric layer 30. A conductive pad or connector 18may be disposed on the first end and/or the second end of the secondtrace 28. The connector 14 is engaged to a power supply for supplyingpower to the flexible ion electrode 10, and more specifically, the firsttrace 16 and second trace 28.

An emitter 20 may be engaged or etched into the second trace 28. Asillustrated, the emitter 20 extends to at least the first side and/orsecond side of the flexible ion electrode 10. The emitter 20 extends tothe top side and/or the bottom side of the flexible ion generator device10. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, the emitter 20 extends from thesecond trace 28 at an angle of about 90° to either the top side orbottom side of the flexible ion generator device 10 and away from thesecond trace 28. The first end of the emitter 20 is etched into thesecond trace 28 and the second end of the emitter 20 extends to a point22. The point 22 of the emitter 20 may be connected, coupled, or engagedto the second dielectric layer 14 and/or the third dielectric layer 30and extends outwards from these layers (14, 30). The point 22 may extendbeyond the top side or bottom side of the dielectric layers as shown inFIGS. 1a and 1b . Alternatively, the point 22 does not extend beyond thetop side or bottom side of the dielectric layers as shown in FIGS. 3 and4

The point 22 disposed on the second end of the emitter 20 and allowsions to flow therefrom. The second trace 28 contains at least oneemitter 20, preferably at least two emitters 20, and more preferably aplurality of emitters 20. It is important to note that the seconddielectric layer 14 and third dielectric layer 30 do not cover the point22, as shown in FIG. 4, thus allowing ions to flow from the point 22 andinto the surrounding area. The dielectric layers (12, 14, 30) adjacentthe point may be cut-away, pulled back, or otherwise removed, allowingions to freely flow from the end of the point 22. The emitter 20 etchedinto the second trace 28, extends outward from the second trace 28 andin an opposite direction than the emitter 20 that the first trace 16extends, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In other words, the emitter 20 ofthe first trace 16 and the emitter 20 of second trace 28 extend inopposite directions and towards opposite sides of the respectivedielectric layer (12, 14, 30).

As shown in FIGS. 4, 6 a, and 6 b, the lights 50 and conductive wire 52are disposed on the top portion of the third dielectric layer 30. Thelights 50 and conductive wire 52 may be located on any portion of thethird dielectric layer 30, but as illustrated, the conductive wire 52and the lights 50 are positioned in the space between the first trace 16and second trace 28. Alternatively, the lights 50 and conductive wire 52may be placed on the bottom portion of the first dielectric layer 12. Aconnector 54 may be disposed on the first end and/or the second end ofthe conductive wire 52 and either the first end or the second end of thedielectric layers (12, 14).

As shown in FIG. 7, the emitter 20 for any of the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-6 a,b and described herein, contains a cap 40 and an ion brush23, containing a plurality of bristles, extending therefrom. The cap 40is preferably composed of metal and surrounds and retains the pluralityof the bristles of the ion brush 23. The cap 40 is engaged to the trace(16, 28), and electricity flows through the trace (16, 28) and into thecap 40. The electricity then flows through the cap 40 and into theplurality of the bristles of the ion brush 23. The cap 40 and theplurality of bristles of the ion brush 23 may be made of any materialthat conducts electricity. The cap 40 may be soldered to the trace (16,28), allowing electrical current to flow from the trace (16, 28) andthrough the cap 40, and outward through the plurality of the bristles ofthe ion brush 23, dispensing ions from the plurality of bristles of theion brush 23 to the surrounding area.

The bristles of the ion brush 23 are composed of a thermoplastic polymerembedded with conductive material that allows the polymer to conductelectricity. For example, the bristles of the ion brush 42 may becomposed of polypropylene or polyethylene and impregnated with carbon.Generally, the bristles of the ion brush 42 may contain between about 20to about 80 wt % polypropylene copolymer or polyethylene copolymer,between about 5 to about 40 wt % talc, and from about 5 to 40 wt %carbon black. However, any other resistive, inductive, reactive orconductive plastic or non-metallic material may be utilized for thebristles of the ion brush 42. The flexible ion generator device 10 mayinclude a stiffening element within the device 10 or located at an endof one of the dielectric layers (12, 14, 30) in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-6. The stiffening element may include an additional dielectriclayer or another device that provides additional stability or stiffensthe dielectric layers (12, 14, 30).

In another alternative embodiment, only one dielectric layer may becut-way, pulled back, or otherwise removed from the point 22 of theemitter 20. For example and shown in FIG. 3, the second trace 28 andemitter 20 are disposed on the top portion of the second dielectriclayer 14, and the third dielectric layer 30 is formed over the secondtrace 28 and emitter 20 and coupled to the second dielectric layer 14.The point 22 of the emitter 20 does not extend outward from the seconddielectric layer 14 and the third dielectric layer 30. Instead, theportion of the third dielectric layer 30 that would cover or be over topthe point 22 is cut-away, pulled back, or otherwise removed, forming anopening 24 and allowing ions to emit from the point and into thesurrounding area.

In another alternative embodiment, the third dielectric layer 30 may bepre-cut with a portion removed from the top side and/or bottom side inthe area where the third dielectric layer 30 will be adjacent or overtopthe point 22 forming an opening 24. Therefore, when the third dielectriclayer 30 is formed over the trace 16 and emitter 20, the opening 24 isadjacent the point 22, wherein the third dielectric layer 30 does notcover the point 22. The second dielectric layer 14 and the thirddielectric layer 30 both are precut with the portion of the respectivelayer (14, 30) that may be adjacent or overtop the point 22 are removedforming openings 24. Therefore, when the trace 16 and emitter 20 areengaged to the top portion of the second dielectric layer 14, the point22 is positioned within the opening 24, such that the second dielectriclayer 14 will not cover the point 22 and the point 22 is within theopening 24. As the third dielectric layer 30 is formed over the secondtrace 28 and emitter 20, the opening 24 is placed adjacent the point 22,so that the third dielectric layer 30 does not cover the point 22.Additionally, both sides of the third dielectric layer 30 may haveopenings on the top side and bottom side, so that the third dielectriclayer 30 does not cover the point 22 of the first trace 16.

An insulating jacket 27, as illustrated in FIG. 6b , may be positionedover at least a portion of the flexible ion generator device 10. Theinsulating jacket 27 may encompass the first dielectric layer 12, thesecond dielectric layer 14, and the third dielectric layer 30 (includingthe first trace 16, the second trace 28, and a portion of the emitters20 contained therein). The insulating jacket 27 may surround and protectthe dielectric layers (12, 14, 30), including the trace 16 and emitter20. It should be noted, the insulating jacket 27 may surround andprotect the flexible ion generator device 10, while leaving the points22 unobstructed for allowing the ions to flow freely and the connectors18 to facilitate coupling of the flexible ion generator device 10 to apower supply.

In other alternative embodiments of the present invention, any number ofdielectric layers may be used with or without a conducting tracein-between each dielectric layer.

Preferably, the lights 50 are ultra-violet (UV) light-emitting diode(LED) lights or UV lights. The purpose of UV lights and UV LED lights isto add the additional ability to sterilize the air, but also sterilizeadjacent surfaces, such as ductwork, air handler housing, coils,filters, and the like that the flexible ion generator device 10 isadjacent.

The emitters 20 may produce negative ions or positive ions for emissioninto the surrounding air. For example, the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, the emitters 20 may emit positive ions, negative ions, or bothpositive and negative ions. The emitters 20 engaged to the first trace16 may emit positive ions and the emitters 20 engaged to the secondtrace 16 may emit negative ions, as shown in FIGS. 3-7.

The first dielectric layer 12 may be coated with a layer 60 composed oftitanium dioxide, silver, copper or a combination thereof to create aphotocatalytic reaction.

The device 10 may be positioned and secured in place within a conduit orthe housing of the air handler unit, such as a duct, such that theemitters 20 are aligned generally perpendicularly to the direction ofthe airflow across the device, to prevent recombination of thepositively charged ions with the negatively charged ions, if theflexible ion generator device 10 produces both negative and positiveions, as opposed to unipolar ionization of negative ions or positiveions.

The treatment of air by delivery of unipolar or bipolar ionization to anairflow within a conduit according to the systems and methods of thepresent invention may be utilized for various purposes. For example,application of bipolar ionization to an airflow within an HVAC conduitsuch as an air handler housing or duct may be utilized to abateallergens, pathogens, odors, gases, volatile organic compounds,bacteria, virus, mold, dander, fungus, dust mites, animal and smokeodors, and/or static electricity in a treated air space to which theairflow is directed. Ionization of air in living and working spaces mayreduce building related illness and improve indoor air quality; andadditionally can reduce the quantity of outside air needed to be mixedwith the treated indoor air, reducing heating and cooling costs byenabling a greater degree of air recirculation.

The flexible ion generator device 10 may be used in a variablerefrigerant volume (VRV) system having a shared outdoor heat exchangerand a plurality of individual air handler units. Alternatively, the HVACsystem can take the form of a variable air volume (VAV), constant airvolume (CAV), variable refrigerant flow (VRF) or other forms of heating,ventilation and air conditioning system.

In typical fashion, the shared outdoor heat exchanger comprises acondenser coil, compressor and fan; the individual air handler unitseach comprise a fan, expansion valve, heating/cooling coil(s), and afilter; and refrigerant lines connect the shared outdoor heat exchangerto the individual air handler units. Return air from the conditionedspace and/or fresh air from an exterior space is treated and deliveredto a conditioned air space via the individual air handler units. Theoutdoor heat exchanger discharges waste heat from the conditioned airspace to the ambient surroundings, and/or transfers heat from a cooledzone to a heated zone. The flexible ion generator device 10 may bemounted after the filter and before the heating or cooling coil.Alternatively, the flexible ion generator device 10 may be mountedadjacent the heat exchanger located within the conduit.

Inlet airflow flows through a conduit such as the housing of the airhandler unit or a duct is filtered through a filter such as a mesh,screen, paper, cloth or other filter media. A filtered airflowdownstream of the filter is treated by discharge of bipolar ionizationfrom the flexible ion generator device 10 to form an ionized airflow.The flexible ion generator device 10 comprises a stream of negativelycharged (−) ions and/or a stream of positively charged (+). The ionizedairflow enters the inlet of a fan or blower for delivery to the treatedair space, and is optionally heated or cooled by passing across orthrough a cooling coil or heating element. The coil, filter, iongenerator, and fan are optionally mounted within a housing of the airhandler unit. The lights 50 shine onto the adjacent surfaces andsanitize these surfaces. Likewise, the lights 50 may sanitize the airmolecules.

The length and thickness of the flexible ion generator device 10 mayvary according to a number of physical or electrical parameters anddesires by the user. The flexible ion generator device 10 of the presentinvention is provided to the user with a dielectric layer 12 having atleast a first trace 14 and optionally a second trace 16, with each trace(14, 16) having an emitter 20 engaged to the trace (14, 16). The user isable to cut the dielectric layer 12 to any length they desire withoutdisrupting the performance of the device 10. For example, if the device10 has dielectric layers that is 5 feet in length, but the user needs adielectric layer that is only 4 feet, the user can cut a foot off thedielectric layer without disrupting the performance of the device 10.

An alternative embodiment of the flexible ion generator device 210 isshown in FIGS. 8-14. The flexible ion generator device 210 includes adielectric layer 212 with a first end, a second end, a first side, asecond side, a top side, and a bottom side. A first trace 214, and anoptional second trace 216, may be engaged to the top side of thedielectric layer 212 and extend along the top side of the dielectriclayer 212 from the first end towards the second end. Periodically spacedalong the length of the first trace 214 and the second trace 216 may bea contact point 218. The contact point 218 includes a first face and asecond face, wherein the first face is engaged to the top side of thedielectric layer 212. An emitter 220 is engaged to the second face ofthe contact point 218. Alternatively, the emitter 220 may be disposed onthe first trace 214 and/or the second trace 216 or engaged to the firsttrace 214 or the second trace 216. In another alternative embodiment,the emitters 220 on the first trace 214 may be engaged to a contactpoint 218 and the emitters 220 on the second trace 216 may be engaged tothe second trace 216. Similarly, in another alternative embodiment, theemitters 220 on the second trace 216 may be engaged to a contact point218 and the emitters 220 on the first trace 214 may be engaged to thefirst trace 214.

The dielectric layer 212 may be a polyamide tape, a silicon tape, or thelike that has dielectric properties. One suitable tape sold by DuPont isKapton®. The dielectric layer 212 is preferably between about 10 milsand 30 mils, and more preferably between about 15 mils to about 25 mils.The dielectric layer 212 is flexible, defined as having flexiblecharacteristics similar to fabric, vinyl, leather, so that thedielectric layer 212 may be bent, rolled-up, twisted, contorted,deformed, misshapen, etc. The first trace 214, and optional second trace216, may be formed from any substance that can conduct electricity, suchas metal, nickel, gold, copper, or copper with nickel/gold plating.

The first trace 214 and the second trace 216 extend along the length ofthe dielectric layer 212 and substantially parallel to the first sideand the second side of the dielectric layer 212. While the first trace214 is substantially parallel to the first side, periodically, and at apredetermined distance, the first trace 214 extends downwardly to acontact point 218 that is offset from the generally parallelarrangement. In other words, the first trace 214 extends along thelength of the dielectric layer 212 for a predetermined distance, and ata predetermined location, the first trace 214 extends slightly towardsthe second side of the dielectric layer 212. It is important that as thefirst trace 214 extends towards the second side of the dielectric layer212 the first trace 214 contains a radius of curvature, meaning thereare no points or sharp edges to the first trace 214, but the first trace214 is rounded as it extends towards the second side of the dielectriclayer 212. A contact point 218 may be positioned on the dielectric layer212 that is offset from the parallel line the majority of the firsttrace 214 follows. The contact point 218 is generally square and thefirst trace 214 engages a first corner or first side of the contactpoint 218. The first trace 214 extends from the opposite side of thecontact point 218, and preferably a second corner that is on theopposite side of the contact point 218. The first trace 214 extendstowards the first side until it reaches the parallel path and thenextends parallel to the first side. Again, the first trace 214 containsa radius of curvature, meaning there are no points or sharp edges to thefirst trace 214, but the first trace 214 is rounded as it extendstowards the first side of the dielectric layer 212.

In other words, the first trace 214 is positioned on the dielectriclayer 212 and extends along a substantially parallel plane with respectto the first side or the second side of the dielectric layer 212 and, inpredetermined locations periodically along the length of the dielectriclayer 212, the first trace 214 extends downwardly from the parallelplane for a distance and then upwardly towards the parallel plane.Likewise, the second trace 216 is positioned on the dielectric layer 212and extends along a substantially parallel plane with respect to thefirst side or the second side of the dielectric layer 212 and, inpredetermined locations periodically along the length of the dielectriclayer 212, the second trace 216 extends downwardly from the parallelplane for a distance and then upwardly towards the parallel plane. Acontact point 218 may be placed along the first trace 214 and the secondtrace 216 for receiving an emitter 220 thereon. Alternatively, theemitters 220 are engaged directly to the first trace 214 and/or thesecond trace 216

The contact point 218 may be separate and apart the first trace 214.Alternatively, the contact point 218 is integral with the first trace214 and the first trace 214 forms the contact point 218 and is shaped asa square, rectangle, or other shape for allowing an emitter 220 to beengaged thereto. As illustrated in FIGS. 8-14, a plurality of contactpoints 218 are disposed along the length of the dielectric layer 212with each being offset, as described above, from the generally parallelpath or plane, with respect to the first side, of the first trace 214.

While the second trace 216 is substantially parallel to the second side,periodically, and at a predetermined distance, the second trace 216extends downwardly to a contact point 218 that is offset from thegenerally parallel arrangement. In other words, the second trace 216extends along the length of the dielectric layer 212 for a predetermineddistance, and at a predetermined location, the second trace 216 extendsslightly towards the first side of the dielectric layer 212. It isimportant that as the second trace 216 extends towards the first side ofthe dielectric layer 212 the second trace 216 contains a radius ofcurvature, meaning there are no points or sharp edges to the secondtrace 216, but the second trace 216 is rounded as it extends towards thefirst side of the dielectric layer 212. A contact point 218 may bepositioned on the dielectric layer 212 that is offset from the parallelline the majority of the second trace 216 follows. The contact point 218is generally square and the second trace 216 engages a first corner orfirst side of the contact point 218. The second trace 216 extends fromthe opposite side of the contact point 218, and preferably a secondcorner that is on the opposite side of the contact point 218. The secondtrace 216 extends towards the second side until it reaches the parallelpath and then extends parallel to the second side. Again, the secondtrace 216 contains a radius of curvature, meaning there are no points orsharp edges to the second trace 264, but the second trace 216 is roundedas it extends towards the second side of the dielectric layer 212.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11, at least one light 250 may be disposedon the dielectric layer 212, and preferably two or more lights 250 aredisposed on the dielectric layer 212, and most preferably, a pluralityof lights 250 are disposed on the dielectric layer 212. As illustrated,the lights 250 are disposed on the top portion of the dielectric layer212 but may also be disposed on the bottom portion of the dielectriclayer 212. A conductive wire 252 is disposed along the dielectric layer212 and each light 250 contacts the conductive wire 252. As illustrated,the conductive wire 252 is disposed on the top portion of the dielectriclayer 212. Alternatively, the conductive wire 252 may be positioned onthe bottom portion of the dielectric layer 212 or within the dielectriclayer 212. The conductive wire 252 extends along the length of thedielectric layer 212 and each light 250 is engaged to the conductivewire 252. Preferably, the plurality of lights 250 are spaced an equaldistance apart along the length of the conductive wire 252. Theconductive wire 252 provides power to the lights 250. The conductivewire 252 is composed of metal that can conduct electricity, such ascopper or aluminum.

A connector 222, similar to the connector 18 shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b ,may be disposed on the first end of the first trace 214 and the secondtrace 216 and disposed on the first end of the dielectric layer 212. Asshown in FIG. 11, a coupler 224 is disposed on the first end of thedielectric layer 212. The coupler 224 has a base portion that extendsoutward to an outer edge, and a first pair and a second pair of opposedsidewalls extend upwardly to an upper edge, forming a cavity therein.The intersection points of the first pair and second pair of opposedsidewalls are defined as corners. A top portion is positioned on theupper edge of the first pair and second pair of opposed sidewallsenclosing the cavity. The first pair of opposed sidewalls are longerthan the second pair of opposed sidewalls, as shown in FIG. 11. Thefront sidewall of the first pair of opposed sidewalls facing thedielectric layer 212 contains a slit 213 therein that extends from theexternal side to the internal side and into the cavity of the coupler224. The first end of the dielectric layer 212 is inserted through theslit 213 and retained within the cavity of the coupler 224.

A connector 254, similar to the connector 54 shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b ,may be engaged to an end or both ends of the conductive wire 252 forengagement to a power supply for providing power to the conductive wire252 and ultimately to the lights 250. Alternatively, the conductive wire252 may be engaged to the connector 218 or the trace 216, and either theconnector 218 or trace 216 provide the power that is ultimatelytransferred to the lights 250, enabling the lights 250 to illuminate.The conductive wire 252 may extend from the first end of the dielectriclayer 212 to the second end of the dielectric layer 212.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the first end of the dielectric layer 212contains a portion of the first trace 214 and portion of the secondtrace 216 along with the connector 222 engaged to the traces (214, 216)and connector 254 engaged to conductive wire 252. The connectors 222 and254 are disposed within the cavity of the coupler 224. The back sidewallof the first pair of opposed sidewalls facing away from the dielectriclayer 212 contains three bores for receiving a first wire 226, a secondwire 228, and a third wire 256 from the power supply device 230. Thefirst wire 226 contacts the connector 222 engaged to the first trace 214for supplying power to the first trace 214. The second wire 228 isengaged to the connector 222 engaged to the second trace 216 forsupplying power to the second trace 216. The third wire 256 is engagedto the connector 254 engaged to the conductive wire 252 for supplyingpower to the conductive wire 252.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, there is only one wire226 extending from the power supply device 230 and into the coupler 224.In this embodiment, the coupler 224 only has one bore for receiving theone wire 226. The wire 226 is engaged to the connector 222 of the firsttrace 214 in these embodiments for supplying power to the first trace214. The wire 226 is also engaged to the connector 254 of the conductivewire 252 for supplying power to the lights 250.

The power supply device 230 provides alternating current or directcurrent, with constant or varying frequency, constant or varying voltageand constant or varying current. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the powersupply device 230 houses a high voltage transformer 232, amicroprocessor 234, and a light emitting-diode (LED) 236. Asillustrated, the power supply device 230 is a box, having a base portionthat extends outwards to an outer edge and a first pair and a secondpair of opposed sidewalls extending upward therefrom to an upper edge,forming a cavity therein. A top portion is engaged to the upper edge andenclosing the cavity. The high voltage transformer 232 and themicroprocessor 234 are disposed within the cavity of the power supplydevice 230. The LED 236 is visible when the top portion is engaged. Asillustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the top portion contains an opening 238wherein the LED 236 may extend through the opening 238 or at least bevisible through the opening 238. The LED 236 is communicatively coupledto the microprocessor 234, wherein when the device 210 is operatingeffectively as indicated by the microprocessor, a signal is sent by themicroprocessor 234 that illuminates the LED 236. If the device 210 isnot operating properly, the microprocessor 234 does not send the signaland the LED 236 is not illuminated. Alternatively, the microprocessor234 sends a signal to illuminate the LED 236 when the device 210 is notoperating properly and no signal is sent when the device 210 isoperating properly. Alternatively, the LED 236 may be illuminated by asignal sent by the microprocessor 234 when power is flowing from thepower supply device 230 and into the traces (214, 216) and emittingions.

As shown in FIG. 8, the emitter 220 contains a cap 240 and an ion brush242, containing a plurality of bristles, extending therefrom. The cap240 is preferably composed of metal and surrounds and retains theplurality of the bristles of the ion brush 242. The cap 240 is engagedto the contact point 218, and electricity flows through the contactpoint 218 and into the cap 240. The electricity then flows through thecap 240 and into the plurality of the bristles of the ion brush 242. Thecap 240 and the plurality of bristles of the ion brush 242 may be madeof any material that conducts electricity. The cap 240 may be solderedto the contact point 218, allowing electrical current to flow from thetrace (214, 216), into the contact point 218, and then through the cap240, and outward through the plurality of the bristles of the ion brush242, dispensing ions from the plurality of bristles of the ion brush 242to the surrounding area.

In one embodiment, the bristles of the ion brush 242 are composed of athermoplastic polymer imbedded with conductive material that allows thepolymer to conduct electricity. For example, the bristles of the ionbrush 242 may be composed of polypropylene or polyethylene andimpregnated with carbon. Generally, the bristles of the ion brush 242may contain between about 20 to about 80 wt % polypropylene copolymer orpolyethylene copolymer, between about 5 to about 40 wt % talc, and fromabout 5 to 40 wt % carbon black. However, any other resistive,inductive, reactive or conductive plastic or non-metallic material maybe utilized for the bristles of the ion brush 242. The flexible iongenerator device 210 may include a stiffening element within the device210 or located at an end of one of the dielectric layer 212. Thestiffening element may include an additional dielectric layer or anotherdevice that provides additional stability or stiffens the dielectriclayer 212.

The dielectric layer 212 may be coated with a layer 260 composed oftitanium dioxide, silver, copper or a combination thereof to create aphotocatalytic reaction.

In another alternative embodiment, the emitter 220 may have a first endand a second end, wherein the first end of the emitter 220 is etchedinto the first trace 214 and/or the second trace 216 and extends to apoint. The second end of the emitter 220 has a gradually reducing widththat terminates at a sharp point, allowing ions to flow therefrom. Thepoint of the emitter 220 is not connected, coupled, or engaged to thedielectric layer 212 and may extend outwards from the dielectric layer212. In other words, the emitter 220 and/or point of the emitter 220 mayextend beyond the top side or bottom side of the dielectric layer 212.The point may be coated or plated with a corrosion resistant layer suchas gold or other coating material.

The point disposed on the second end of the emitter 220 allows ions toflow therefrom. It is important to note that the dielectric layer 212does not cover the point, thus allowing ions to flow from the point andinto the surrounding air. The dielectric layer 212 adjacent the pointmay be cut-away, pulled back, or otherwise removed, allowing ions tofreely flow from the end of the point.

The emitters 220 may produce negative ions or positive ions for emissioninto the surrounding air. For example, the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8, the emitters 220 engaged to the trace 214 or the contact points218 of the first trace 214 may emit positive ions and the emitters 220engaged to the second trace 216 or the contact points 218 of the secondtrace 216 may emit negative ions. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.12, the emitters 220 emit either positive or negative ions, or acombination thereof.

The device 210 may be positioned and secured in place within a conduitor the housing of the air handler unit, such as a duct, such that theemitters 220 are aligned generally perpendicularly to the direction ofthe airflow across the device, to prevent recombination of thepositively charged ions with the negatively charged ions, if theflexible ion electrode 210 produces both negative and positive ions, asopposed to unipolar ionization of negative ions or positive ions.

The device 210 may be positioned in place or engaged to an air handlerunit or like device by a flexible ion generator attachment device 244and the power supply device 230 may contain a power supply deviceattachment device 246. As shown in FIGS. 9, 10-12, the flexible iongenerator attachment device 244 is engaged to the bottom side of thedielectric layer 212. Likewise, the power supply device attachmentdevice 246 is engaged to the external side of the base of the powersupply device 230. The flexible ion generator attachment device 244 andthe power supply device attachment device 246 may be double sided tape,wherein one side of the tape is engaged to the bottom side of thedielectric layer 212 and the external side of the base of the powersupply device 230. The second side of the double sided tape is engagedto the place, air handler unit, or other location where the device 210is desired to be engaged. Alternatively, the flexible ion generatorattachment device 244 and the power supply device attachment device 246may be a hook and loop fastener, commonly sold under the trademarkVelcro®, wherein the hook portion is engaged to the bottom side of thedielectric layer 212 and the external side of the base of the powersupply device 230, and the loop portion is engaged to the place, airhandler unit, or other location where the device 210 is desired to beengaged, for selectively securing the device 210. Alternatively, theloop portion is engaged to the bottom side of the dielectric layer 212and the external side of the base of the power supply device 230, andthe hook portion is engaged to the place, air handler unit, or otherlocation where the device 210 is desired to be engaged, for selectivelysecuring the device 210.

As illustrated in FIG. 13 in an alternative embodiment, the emitters 220disposed along the first trace 214 may face opposite each other. Inother words, the emitters 220 may alternate positions along the lengthof the first trace 214. As shown, the first emitter 220 faces towardsone side, the second emitter 220′ faces towards the opposite side, thethird emitter 220″ faces towards the same side as emitter 220, and thefourth emitter 220″″ faces towards the same side as emitter 220′ and soon.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the emitters 220 may be positioned where theyextend upwardly from the dielectric layer 212. The cap 240 is positionedon the contact point 218 or the trace 214 and the ion brush 242 with itsplurality of bristles extends upwardly from the dielectric layer 212 andnot laying on the dielectric layer 212 or in parallel with thedielectric layer 212 as shown in FIGS. 8-12.

The treatment of air by delivery of unipolar or bipolar ionization to anairflow within a conduit according to the systems and methods of thepresent invention may be utilized for various purposes. For example,application of bipolar ionization to an airflow within an HVAC conduitsuch as an air handler housing or duct may be utilized to abateallergens, pathogens, odors, gases, volatile organic compounds,bacteria, virus, mold, dander, fungus, dust mites, animal and smokeodors, and/or static electricity in a treated air space to which theairflow is directed. Ionization of air in living and working spaces mayreduce building related illness and improve indoor air quality; andadditionally can reduce the quantity of outside air needed to be mixedwith the treated indoor air, reducing heating and cooling costs byenabling a greater degree of air recirculation.

The flexible ion generator device 210 may be used in a variablerefrigerant volume (VRV) system having a shared outdoor heat exchangerand a plurality of individual air handler units. Alternatively, the HVACsystem can take the form of a variable air volume (VAV), constant airvolume (CAV), variable refrigerant flow (VRF) or other forms of heating,ventilation and air conditioning system.

In typical fashion, the shared outdoor heat exchanger comprises acondenser coil, compressor and fan; the individual air handler unitseach comprise a fan, expansion valve, heating/cooling coil(s), and afilter; and refrigerant lines connect the shared outdoor heat exchangerto the individual air handler units. Return air from the conditionedspace and/or fresh air from an exterior space is treated and deliveredto a conditioned air space via the individual air handler units. Theoutdoor heat exchanger discharges waste heat from the conditioned airspace to the ambient surroundings, and/or transfers heat from a cooledzone to a heated zone. The flexible ion generator device 210 may bemounted after the filter and before the heating or cooling coil.Alternatively, the flexible ion generator device 210 may be mountedadjacent the heat exchanger located within the conduit.

Inlet airflow flows through a conduit such as the housing of the airhandler unit or a duct is filtered through a filter such as a mesh,screen, paper, cloth or other filter media. A filtered airflowdownstream of the filter is treated by discharge of bipolar ionizationfrom the flexible ion generator device 210 to form an ionized airflow.The flexible ion generator device 210 comprises a stream of negativelycharged (−) ions and/or a stream of positively charged (+). The ionizedairflow enters the inlet of a fan or blower for delivery to the treatedair space, and is optionally heated or cooled by passing across orthrough a cooling coil or heating element. The coil, filter, iongenerator, and fan are optionally mounted within a housing of the airhandler unit.

The length and thickness of the flexible ion generator device 210 mayvary according to a number of physical or electrical parameters anddesires by the user. The flexible ion generator device 210 of thepresent invention is provided to the user with a dielectric layer 212having at least a first trace 214 and optionally a second trace 216,with each trace (214, 216) having either a contact point 218 and emitter220 or only an emitter 220 engaged to the trace (214, 216). The user isable to cut the dielectric layer 212 to any length they desire withoutdisrupting the performance of the device 210. For example, if the device210 has dielectric layers that is 5 feet in length, but the user needs adielectric layer that is only 4 feet, the user can cut a foot off thedielectric layer without disrupting the performance of the device 210.

Preferably, the lights 250 are ultra-violet (UV) light-emitting diode(LED) lights or UV lights. The purpose of UV lights and UV LED lights isto add the additional ability to sterilize the air, but also sterilizeadjacent surfaces, such as ductwork, air handler housing, coils,filters, and the like that the flexible ion generator device 210 isadjacent.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described hereinwith reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof,it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art thatother embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/orachieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples arewithin the spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended tobe covered by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A flexible ion generator device, comprising: adielectric layer; at least one trace positioned on the dielectric layer;a plurality of contact points disposed along the trace; and a pluralityof emitters, wherein each emitter is engaged to a contact point.
 2. Theflexible ion generator device according to claim 1, further comprising aconductive wire disposed on the dielectric layer and at least one UVlight is engaged to the conductive wire.
 3. The flexible ion generatordevice according to claim 1, further comprising a conductive wiredisposed on the dielectric layer and a plurality of UV lights areengaged to the conductive wire.
 4. The flexible ion generator deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising a conductive wire disposed onthe dielectric layer and substantially parallel with the trace.
 5. Theflexible ion generator device according to claim 1, wherein the at leastone trace is positioned in close proximity to a first side of thedielectric layer and is generally parallel with the first side of thedielectric layer, the at least one trace extends downwardly towards asecond side of the dielectric layer to a first side of a contact pointand then from a second side of the contact point the at least one traceextends towards a top side of the dielectric layer and extends generallyparallel with the top side of the dielectric layer.
 6. The flexible iongenerator device according to claim 1, further comprising a couplerhaving a base that extends to an outer edge and a first pair of opposedsidewalls and a second pair of opposed sidewalls extend upwardly fromthe outer edge to an upper edge, forming a cavity therein, a top portionis disposed on the upper edge, a slot is formed in one of the sidewallsextending from the external surface to the internal surface forreceiving a first end of the dielectric layer.
 7. The flexible iongenerator device according to claim 1, further comprising a layerdisposed on the dielectric layer for creating a photocatalytic reaction.8. A flexible ion generator device, comprising: a dielectric layerhaving a top side and a bottom side; at least one trace positioned onthe dielectric layer; a plurality of contact points disposed along thetrace; a plurality of emitters, wherein the emitters are engaged to acontact point; a conductive wire disposed on the dielectric layer; andat least one light engaged to the conductive wire.
 9. The flexible iongenerator device according to claim 8, wherein the light is anultra-violet (UV) light.
 10. The flexible ion generator device accordingto claim 8, wherein the light is an ultra-violet (UV) light-emittingdiode (LED) light.
 11. The flexible ion generator device according toclaim 8, further comprising a connector engaged to an end of theconductive wire.
 12. The flexible ion generator device according toclaim 8, wherein the conductive wire is substantially parallel to thetrace.
 13. The flexible ion generator device according to claim 8,further comprising a layer disposed on the dielectric layer for creatinga photocatalytic reaction.
 14. A flexible ion generator device,comprising: at least one dielectric layer having a top side and a bottomside; a first trace positioned on the at least one dielectric layer andhaving a plurality of emitters engaged to the first trace; a secondtrace positioned on the at least one dielectric layer and having aplurality of emitters engaged to the second trace; a conducive wiredisposed on at least one dielectric layer; and at least one lightengaged to the conductive wire.
 15. The flexible ion generator deviceaccording to claim 14, further comprising a power supply device engagedto the flexible ion generator device for supplying power.
 16. Theflexible ion generator device according to claim 14, wherein the lightis an ultra-violet (UV) light.
 17. The flexible ion generator deviceaccording to claim 14, wherein the light is an ultra-violet (UV)light-emitting diode (LED) light.
 18. The flexible ion generator deviceaccording to claim 14, further comprising a plurality of lights.
 19. Theflexible ion generator device according to claim 14, wherein theconductive wire is substantially parallel with the trace.
 20. Theflexible ion generator device according to claim 14, further comprisinga layer disposed on the dielectric layer for creating a photocatalyticreaction.